10 Things to Do in Alanya: Which One Is for Whom?
10 things to do in Alanya: castle, Damlatas, boat trip, canyon, safari, hammam and more. We walk you through which to choose for late October and early November, question by question.
The 10 things to do in Alanya are: Alanya Castle, Damlatas Cave, Cleopatra Beach, boat trip, Green Canyon, Sapadere Canyon, jeep or quad safari, tandem paragliding, hammam and a day trip to Side–Manavgat. Spreading all of them over a week is the most comfortable option. In late October and early November the days are shorter and the schedules of some sea tours are adjusted for the end of the season, so the order changes a little. Below we cover each item along with the question it answers.
Where should you start on day one?
Start with the castle, because it is the city's best viewpoint and the other two stops are close by. Alanya Castle was built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. You can walk along the walls and see the Red Tower and the shipyard.
A city tour of about 4 hours that goes up by cable car and down to Damlatas Cave brings these three stops into one route: Alanya Castle Damlatas Cave and City Tour by Cable Car. Cleopatra Beach, west of the castle, is the natural continuation of the route. In autumn the weather is generally suitable for walking and a beach break, but still check the weather forecast before you set out. Opening hours of the castle and the cave change with the season, so check before your visit.
Boat trip or Green Canyon?
If you just want to be on the sea, choose a boat trip; if you want to see land and water on the same day, Green Canyon is the better fit. Most boat trips in Alanya leave from the harbour and stop for a swim in the coves.
- Catamaran trip: Lasts about 4.5 hours. Caves and coves, lunch and soft drinks are included: Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks.
- Green Canyon trip: Lasts about 7.5 hours. Includes a convertible safari, lunch and a mud bath on the boat: Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Tour with Cabrio Safari and Lunch.
In November the water and wind can turn cool. A spare T-shirt and towel will come in handy.
Which places outside the city are worth it?
The Sapadere Canyon, stretching into the Taurus Mountains, is among the best. The road passes through banana and avocado orchards. The tour stops at a stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break, followed by the cave and canyon visit. It takes the whole day, about 6 hours: Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit. If you want a wooded day away from the crowds, choose this tour.
If you head west toward Manavgat and Side, you can see Manavgat Waterfall and the Roman ruins of Side in the same day. From Alanya this route takes half a day or a full day.
What to do for adrenaline?
Jeep or quad safari in the mountains and tandem paragliding on the coast are good choices. On safaris the route passes along mountain roads and the riverside. Some tours include a water fight stop, so be prepared to get wet. Paragliding flies over Cleopatra Beach and depends on the wind; flights can be postponed depending on the weather.
For those who enjoy the evening crowds, there is also a night jeep safari. In November evenings get dark early, so bring a light jacket.
How do you shake off tiredness?
At the hammam. A scrub and foam massage takes about one and a half to two hours and suits the day after a beach or safari day well. In Alanya there are also hammam options for women only. If your plans are disrupted on a rainy day, the hammam also works as a backup plan.
How should you arrange the order in late October?
The short-day rule is simple: put outdoor activities before noon and the hammam and dinner in the evening. This sequence works well:
- Day 1: castle, Damlatas, Cleopatra Beach
- Day 2: boat trip or Green Canyon
- Day 3: Sapadere
- Day 4: safari or paragliding
- Day 5: Side and Manavgat, followed by the hammam
If the weather turns, you can move the sea days forward and bring the castle and hammam earlier.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for all 10 things in Alanya?
For a comfortable pace, 4–5 days is enough. The castle, Damlatas and Cleopatra Beach fit into one day; boat trips, canyons and day trips each need a separate day.
Do boat trips run in early November?
Schedules may change towards the end of the season, and weather conditions are decisive. Check the current information on the tour page.
Is hotel pickup available for tours?
Many tours offer hotel pickup. Check on the tour page in the catalogue for your own area.
What should I wear for the Green Canyon tour?
Quick-drying clothes, a swimsuit and a spare T-shirt are a good idea, since you may get wet. Bring a light top for autumn as well.
